Story perspectives

Senate Unanimously Bans Senators, Staff from Kalshi, Polymarket Trading

5/1/2026

Summary

Story summary

On April 30, 2026, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution that immediately bars senators from trading on prediction-market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
Sen. Bernie Moreno (D-Ohio) introduced the measure, which Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) amended to extend the ban to Senate staff.
Kalshi and Polymarket welcomed the ban, noting policies already forbid congressional trading after a soldier was indicted for using data to bet on a Polymarket prediction.

History

Historical Context

Following the 2008 financial crisis that led to the $700 billion TARP bailout and heightened calls for congressional transparency, lawmakers have repeatedly tightened trading rules. Building on that momentum, Senators Bernie Moreno and Alex Padilla on April 30 2026 unanimously barred Senate staff and members from trading on new prediction-market online platforms such as Kalshi.

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Story summary

On April 30, 2026, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution that immediately bars senators from trading on prediction-market platforms such as Kalshi and Polymarket.
Sen. Bernie Moreno (D-Ohio) introduced the measure, which Sen. Alex Padilla (D-California) amended to extend the ban to Senate staff.
Kalshi and Polymarket welcomed the ban, noting policies already forbid congressional trading after a soldier was indicted for using data to bet on a Polymarket prediction.

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